Peterson Takes Advantage Of Perks

Minneapolis, Minn. – Today, the Chairman of the Republican Party of Minnesota, Keith Downey, called on Congressman Collin Peterson to stop taking advantage of unethical congressional perks paid for by Minnesota taxpayers.

“Collin Peterson has been in Washington for 23 years and has used his position to enjoy congressional perks paid for by Minnesota taxpayers,” Downey said. “Collin Peterson enjoys the perks of driving not just one but two cars paid for by hardworking taxpayers at $22,000 per year. This goes to show how out of touch Peterson is with his own district. It’s time Peterson does the right thing and stops abusing his position to pad his pockets.”

During the same time period, Peterson reimbursed himself $139,481.95, in private auto mileage and gasoline. This includes $21,535.52 in reimbursements for use of his personal plane. (Legistorm Website, “Official Congressional Expenses By Representative Collin Peterson (D-MN, 7th )www.legistorm.com/) (Sunlight Foundation, “House Expenditure Reports Database,”)

In 2013, Peterson had two payments for leased vehicles every month, which suggests he’s using taxpayer dollars to lease two cars. (Sunlight Foundation, “House Expenditure Reports Database,”)